Overseas reports claim TSMC has completed development of a 1.6nm process for its new A16 chip. According to Chosun Biz citing Liberty Times sources, the A16 offers ~8% higher chip density, ~10% better performance than the 2nm process, and ~15% improved power efficiency through revised power management.

However, TSMC isn't targeting smartphones with this 1.6nm process. The A16 chips are designed for AI and "high-performance computing" devices as their main market. Mass production could begin in Q4 2026, meaning phone adoption wouldn't arrive until 2027 at earliest.

TSMC is reportedly leveraging A16 and 1.6nm advancements to develop a 1.4nm process intended for mobile devices. Meanwhile, the industry is just approaching 2nm with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 expected soon.

Qualcomm has teased "Dual 8 Elites" for its Snapdragon Summit 2026 in Maui, Hawaii, with rumors suggesting a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro alongside the standard flagship chip.